Trump Administration Threatens NYC Subway Funding Over Crime Concerns

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy demands detailed safety plans from the MTA by March 31, citing rising assaults despite reported crime reductions.

The Trump administration, through Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has issued an ultimatum to the MTA to submit crime-reduction plans or risk losing federal funding.
Duffy's demands include data on subway crime, fare evasion, transit worker assaults, and employee de-escalation training practices.
The MTA disputes the administration's claims, reporting a 40-45% reduction in subway crime compared to pre-pandemic levels and a 25% drop in fare evasion last year.
Duffy counters with data showing a 56% increase in subway assaults since 2019, emphasizing ongoing safety concerns.
Critics argue the move could hinder safety improvements, question the political motivations behind the ultimatum, and note that much of the requested data is already publicly available.